Cropping effectively can give you numerous narrative choices within a single image. These choices will have significant impact on how the image is read and perceived. These are conscious decisions that should be thought through. Here are a few things to consider when playing with the options:

Presentation and format: How will your images be presented? Which book format are you considering? This will dictate your aspect ratio and ultimately your cropping decision.

Context: Will this image be presented next to any other images? If so, you should consider the entire composition relative to the adjacent imagery.

The “Read”: Consider how your presentation will be viewed. Consider the entire composition. What you choose to eliminate is just as important as what you choose to keep in your composition. 

If you learn nothing else, learn cropping well. It will enhance your compositions, your book-making and your narratives!

Read an exerpt from Dane’s book, The Future of Memories.